Trump Waives Several Russia Sanctions as Row with Zelensky Intensifies

US President Donald Trump has waived several sanctions and tariffs targeting Russia, just days before the measures were due to take effect, amid worsening relations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Trump signed an executive order on Friday, October 16, citing the national interest of the United States as justification for delaying the implementation of measures contained in a sanctions law he signed in September.

The legislation, known as the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, was designed to increase economic pressure on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022.

The law provided for sanctions against Russian officials, financial institutions and vessels accused of helping Moscow circumvent existing restrictions. It also authorised tariffs of up to 100 per cent on imports from major buyers of Russian oil and gas, including countries continuing to purchase the commodities or helping Russia evade sanctions.

Trump’s decision to waive many of the provisions has triggered criticism from lawmakers who supported the legislation as a means of limiting Russia’s ability to finance its war.

Democratic Representative Don Beyer accused the president of undermining efforts to support Ukraine, arguing that the move contradicted the intent of the law passed by Congress.

The decision comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Kyiv following a controversial arrangement involving Russian diesel supplies, which Trump said could help ease pressure on energy prices.

Zelensky and Trump have also exchanged sharp remarks in recent days. Trump has criticised the Ukrainian president over the failure to reach a settlement with Russia, while Zelensky has continued to seek stronger international support for Ukraine’s defence.

The US president’s move has raised concerns among Ukraine’s supporters that Washington may be easing pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin at a critical stage of the conflict.

Russia’s envoy for investment and economic cooperation, Kirill Dmitriev, welcomed the waiver, describing it as a significant development for economic relations between Moscow and Washington.

Trump’s executive order said the waiver would remain in place until he or senior officials determine that further action is appropriate.

The decision leaves uncertainty over the future implementation of the sanctions package as the war continues and diplomatic efforts to end the conflict remain strained.